Chicago’s cultural vibrancy rests on a strong foundation of arts and culture organizations that reflect the diversity of artists, disciplines, neighborhoods, and residents in the region. Now in its fourth cycle, our Culture, Equity, and the Arts program aims to advance racial equity by shifting resources and making the arts accessible to communities that have historically been excluded. Through a participatory grantmaking process, we awarded a total of $2,475,000 in general operating support over three years to 14 organizations that have a commitment to fostering equity in and through the arts.
- Auditorium Theatre, a cultural institution that offers original theater, dance, and musical programming; presents the work of other artists; and is active in arts education, will receive $225,000.
- Chicago Academy of Sciences, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, which serves as a center for public engagement in nature, science, and sustainability and assists in rebuilding populations of threatened and endangered local species, will receive $150,000.
- Chicago Botanic Garden, a 385-acre public garden that conducts research, education, and conservation programs and operates urban farms in the city of Chicago, will receive $150,000.
- Chicago Children’s Museum, which develops play-based experiences that engage children and their families in creative, collaborative learning, including for children with disabilities, incarcerated parents, and for LGBTQIA+ families, will receive $150,000.
- Chicago Historical Society, which serves the city by featuring exhibitions and public programs that highlight the stories and contributions of Chicago’s diverse communities, will receive $150,000.
- Chicago Shakespeare Theater, whose Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility initiative articulates commitments in the areas of inclusive artmaking, education, creative community engagement, and more, will receive $150,000.
- Hyde Park Art Center, whose outreach programs serve historically underserved neighborhoods by partnering with local schools to provide visual arts education to Chicago students, will receive $225,000.
- Joffrey Ballet, Chicago’s largest dance organization which offers community engagement programs, full scholarships to diverse students in its Academy of Dance, and supports emerging choreographers, will receive $150,000.
- Kartemquin Films, which supports independent filmmakers to create documentary films, including filmmakers of color, through film production, internships, mentoring, and other programs, will receive $225,000.
- Morton Arboretum, a tree-focused botanical garden that appeals to audiences through immersive experiences, experiential learning, and free digital resources, will receive $150,000.
- Museum of Contemporary Art, which creates and curates exhibits, presents performances, and conducts public education and engagement programs emphasizing the work and ideas of living artists, will receive $225,000.
- Museum of Science & Industry, which houses artifacts and exhibits to illustrate technological advances, explores scientific ideas, and measures a sense of belonging among its guests, will receive $150,000.
- National Museum of Mexican Art, which stimulates knowledge and appreciation of Mexican art and culture from both sides of the border through a permanent collection of Mexican art, visual and performing arts programs, arts education, and professional development, will receive $225,000.
- Newberry Library, a free and open research library that collaborates with organizations in Chicago and beyond to make the humanities more accessible and relevant to diverse audiences, will receive $150,000.
